Atlanta news, Georgia news, Breaking news from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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Has Atlanta hit bottom? ‘Office curious’ investors seek skyscraper deals

With more companies pushing their workers back to the office, leasing is up and optimism is rising among investors seeking to buy distressed office towers at a discount.

Life sentence for Gwinnett father who killed 9-week-old daughter in 2019

Atlanta, DeKalb customers rack up millions in unpaid water and sewer bills

Dozens of water and sewer bills worth more than $500,000 are owed to both governments as they spend millions in system upgrades.

Grindhouse replaces NFA Burger at Truist Park just weeks into baseball season

NFA Burger owner Billy Kramer shut down his slider stand at Truist Park just a few weeks into the Atlanta Braves' 2025 season.

Immigration

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Migrant’s deportation from Georgia to El Salvador jail is ‘a living nightmare’

Crossing the border illegally led Edicson Quintero to face long stints in detention, first in Georgia and now in a notorious Salvadoran jail.

Why some Georgia immigrants are self-deporting

The Trump administration is pushing immigrants who are in the country illegally to self-deport, and some in metro Atlanta are heeding the message rather than living in fear.

ICE requests Georgia-born U.S. citizen held in Florida jail

Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, a 20-year-old from Grady County, remained behind bars even after an advocate produced his U.S. birth certificate in court.

Atlanta church immigrant congregations plummet after ICE arrest in January

Attendance at some Hispanic churches has dropped as immigrants limit their movements in an effort to lower their exposure to immigration enforcement.

AJC Sports

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SOCCER SURGE

Carpet capital Dalton becomes soccer mecca amid Hispanic population growth

For decades, Dalton was known as the "Carpet Capital of the World." Now, it's also got the title of "Soccer Captial of Georgia."

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FOOTBALL

D. Orlando Ledbetter’s final mock NFL draft: Falcons meet a need, 3 Bulldogs go early

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NFL

Falcons’ Bijan Robinson: ‘I’m tired, in the offseason, of telling people like, man, we’re almost there’

Robinson wants the Atlanta Falcons, who finished 8-9 last season, to return to respectability and reach the playoffs.

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SPORTS DAILY

Can’t anyone be normal around here?

Sports Daily: Hawks ax GM; Strider injured; Falcons seek Kirk cash

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MLS

Atlanta United loses two starters to injury for at least four matches

That stretch of games includes at Orlando on Saturday, against Nashville on May 3, at Chicago on May 10 and at Austin on May 14.

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NBA

Warriors’ Dunleavy says Hawks can expect seamless transition to GM Onsi Saleh

Golden State GM says Saleh brings ‘wealth of knowledge and ability to connect all parts of his job.’

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BULLDOGS

Georgia defensive back becomes fourth Bulldog to enter transfer portal this spring

With Chris Peal's exit from the program, 13 of Georgia’s 26 signees from 2023 will not be playing for the Bulldogs next season.

Chases Unchecked

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Deadly crash reignites debate over Georgia State Patrol’s pursuit practices

A Georgia State Patrol chase that that killed a 19-year-old bystander in Atlanta last week thrust the agency into the middle of a public debate about police pursuits.

Man’s conviction in deadly GSP pursuit sheds light on handling of such cases

Two days after a Georgia State Patrol pursuit ended in a crash that killed a bystander in Little Five Points, a similar case saw its conclusion in Fulton Superior Court.

INVESTIGATION

GSP’s aggressive pursuit culture endangers public like few other state agencies in the country, AJC finds

The major takeaways from the AJC's investigation of the GSP's pursuit policies and how they affect bystanders

Today's Videos

Now Playing

This could be America’s next national park

There's something bigger happening with 'A Minecraft Movie' chaos

One of Atlanta's hidden gems lets bartenders harvest for their own craft

AJC Peachtree Road Race

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From birding to pickleball, and eco-tours to walking, hiking trails, and historic sites, Daytona Beach delivers a world...

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Northside Hospital and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are teaming up to give away Zoo Atlanta Family Memberships.

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Sevierville, Tennessee, rolls out the outdoor welcome mat for a multitude of adventures or a relaxation getaway.

Cadillac Jack, longtime Atlanta country radio host, has died

William “Cadillac Jack” Choate, who went by Caddy to his listeners, worked at country station Kicks 101.5 for 26 years and 92.5/The Bear in Fayetteville for four.

Uber Shuttle to launch at Atlanta airport with service to downtown, Midtown

The Uber Shuttle service will launch with 14-passenger vehicles.

City to pay nearly $1.5M to family of teen killed by Atlanta officer

D’Ettrick Griffin, 18, was shot by Officer Oliver Simmonds, who was off duty at the time, after Griffin drove away from a gas station in the officer’s unmarked patrol car.

Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation gives $2.5M grant to Atlanta Humane Society

The grant will support the expansion of Atlanta Humane’s animal protection unit.

Arts and Entertainment

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Actress Taraji P. Henson to give Spelman’s commencement address

Next week, the Oscar-nominated actress will have a starring role at the Atlanta HBCU's graduation ceremony.

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Kerry Washington, 2 Chainz bring Black star power to Atlanta Film Festival

Here's a detailed guide for Black cinema fans to the 49th event kicking off this week.

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Slater Nalley is sole Atlantan in ‘American Idol’ top 14

"American Idol" cut its top 20 to 14 on Sunday. Nalley, a Lovett School senior, got through, but Baylee Littrell of Alpharetta didn't make it.

Politics

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POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Field narrows for Georgia Democrats vying for governor in 2026

Jason Carter says he's not running again. Former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond is still considering it, but says it would be a tough race.

CEOs of Home Depot, other retailers meet with Trump to discuss tariffs

Companies bringing foreign goods to the U.S. will pay the tax, but economists warn American businesses and consumers will ultimately shoulder the costs.

LISTEN

The race for the state's top post is focused on Washington

The ‘Politically Georgia’ hosts discuss the changing 2026 landscape.

Gov. Kemp signs off on sweeping new limits on lawsuits

Some experts question Kemp’s broader promise of lower insurance rates, and opponents of the new limits say some wronged Georgians will no longer get their day in court.

Latest Headlines

Opinion and Voices

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GUEST COLUMN

Survey says: Parents don’t feel heard by elected officials

Parents in both political parties say they want public policy to improve education and help kids thrive.

GUEST COLUMN

When it comes to climate services, we need data, not debate

Several Regional Climate Centers in the Southeast are facing significant funding threats, potentially hurting emergency management and our economy.

AJC CONTRIBUTOR

Words matter because people matter

We need to continue conversations with people who use the r-word to explain the hurt that comes from this language.

PATRICIA MURPHY

Brian Kemp for Senate? Why the heck would he want to do that?

Going from chief executive to one of 100 in the Senate has been a struggle for some ex-governors who made the leap. Would Gov. Brian Kemp want to do it?

AJC CONTRIBUTOR

Former Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage was truly one-of-one

Legacy that Armitage leaves is an enduring one.

Mike Luckovich

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OPINION

04/23 Mike Luckovich: Sending a signal

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OPINION

04/20 Mike Luckovich: Trust us, he’s dangerous.

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OPINION

04/18 Mike Luckovich: All about protection

AJC Peachtree Road Race

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The latest updates: The first mile is the hardest

Experts answer your questions and we share what you need to know before the big race.

Registration for AJC Peachtree Road Race is open

This year sees the return of traditional lottery system for would-be runners in ‘World’s Largest 10K.’

Prepare for the big race with Atlanta Track Club’s In-Training program

Atlanta Track Club’s In-Training program can help you meet your goals whether you’re preparing for your first race or attempting to take home a ranked award.

Latest news

Politics

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LISTEN

Monday Mailbag: Ranked-choice voting, David Scott and Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

The "Politically Georgia" hosts answer questions from the listener mailbag.

Man arrested at Marjorie Taylor Greene’s town hall demands charges be dropped

'Someone with no criminal history, a decorated veteran, has been arrested and suffered physical injuries, but also reputational harm,' the man's attorney says.

Warnock: People in despair about politics should not give up hope

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Thursday to talk about the current state of politics and promote his new children's book.

Metro Atlanta

Credit: TNS

Life sentence for Gwinnett father who killed 9-week-old daughter in 2019

Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation gives $2.5M grant to Atlanta Humane Society

The grant will support the expansion of Atlanta Humane’s animal protection unit.

Cadillac Jack, longtime Atlanta country radio host, has died

William "Cadillac Jack" Choate, a long-time country radio deejay in Atlanta, died at age 51 of a heart attack April 17, 2025.

Georgia

Credit: Charles Seabrook

Looking for Georgia birds in Cuba

Charles Seabrook recounts the birds he met during a recent trip to Cuba, especially the warblers.

Has Atlanta hit bottom? ‘Office curious’ investors seek skyscraper deals

With more companies pushing their workers back to the office, leasing is up and optimism is rising among investors seeking to buy distressed office towers at a discount.

Uber Shuttle to launch at Atlanta airport with service to downtown, Midtown

The Uber Shuttle service will launch with 14-passenger vehicles.

Opinion

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

OPINION

When it comes to climate services, we need data, not debate

Several Regional Climate Centers in the Southeast are facing significant funding threats, potentially hurting emergency management and our economy

OPINION

Francis − a pope who cared deeply for the poor and opened up the Catholic Church

By embracing the marginalized in ways that no pope had done before, Francis' papacy has been historic

OPINION

Health care, our government must do more to protect sensitive information

Protect yourself against data breaches the best you can.

Falcons

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D. Orlando Ledbetter’s final mock NFL draft: Falcons meet a need, 3 Bulldogs go early

Kirk Cousins reportedly attends first day of Falcons’ offseason workouts

Atlanta’s backup QB’s future still undecided ahead of NFL draft

Falcons’ Bijan Robinson: ‘I’m tired, in the offseason, of telling people like, man, we’re almost there’

Robinson wants the Atlanta Falcons, who finished 8-9 last season, to return to respectability and reach the playoffs.

Bulldogs

Credit: Tony Walsh/UGAAA

Georgia defensive back becomes fourth Bulldog to enter transfer portal this spring

With Chris Peal's exit from the program, 13 of Georgia’s 26 signees from 2023 will not be playing for the Bulldogs next season.

Georgia baseball’s offense goes quiet in sweep at Vanderbilt

Georgia reportedly adds Miami DL Joshua Horton, Illinois RB Joshua McCray from transfer portal

Georgia Tech

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Georgia Tech freshman tight end to transfer

The Glynn Academy graduate was considered a three-star prospect in the 2024 class.

Georgia Tech reserve tight end to transfer

Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Long announced Monday he will enter the transfer portal.

Georgia Tech’s Brent Key among coaches to take part in Peach Bowl golf tournament

Georgia Tech football coach Brent Key will join other coaches in the 18th annual Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament. It's his second appearance.

Hawks

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Warriors’ Dunleavy says Hawks can expect seamless transition to GM Onsi Saleh

Golden State GM says Saleh brings ‘wealth of knowledge and ability to connect all parts of his job.’

Hawks learn where they could make lottery pick in 2025 NBA draft

The NBA announced the tiebreaker for positioning in the 2025 draft after several teams in the league finished with similar records.

Timeline of ex-Hawks general manager Landry Fields’ tenure with the team

Landry Fields’ termination comes after the Atlanta Hawks finished the regular season with a 40-42 record, along with an elimination from the Play-In Tournament.

Braves

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Braves starter Spencer Strider diagnosed with low level hamstring strain

‘In the moment I thought it was going to be something serious,’ Atlanta pitcher says.

Braves Report: Hamstring halts Strider’s comeback

Sports Daily: Can’t anyone be normal around here?

Sports Daily: Hawks ax GM; Strider injured; Falcons seek Kirk cash

United

Credit: Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

Atlanta United loses two starters to injury for at least four matches

That stretch of games includes at Orlando on Saturday, against Nashville on May 3, at Chicago on May 10 and at Austin on May 14.

Atlanta United finds no clear answers in loss to Philadelphia

‘Today, I felt too many were not at the level they can be,’ Five Stripes manager says.

Philadelphia 3, Atlanta United 0: By the numbers

Zero wins for Atlanta United from three road matches this season.

High Schools

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GHSA girls soccer tournament first-round matchups

GHSA boys soccer tournament first-round matchups

GHSA girls tennis tournament first-round scores, matchups

More Sports

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Warriors’ Dunleavy says Hawks can expect seamless transition to GM Onsi Saleh

Golden State GM says Saleh brings ‘wealth of knowledge and ability to connect all parts of his job.’

Date, time set for Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl semifinal game in 2025-26 College Football Playoff

Sports Daily: Can’t anyone be normal around here?

Sports Daily: Hawks ax GM; Strider injured; Falcons seek Kirk cash

Food & Dining

Credit: CHRIS HUNT

Grindhouse replaces NFA Burger at Truist Park just weeks into baseball season

NFA Burger owner Billy Kramer shut down his slider stand at Truist Park just a few weeks into the Atlanta Braves' 2025 season.

26 Thai team aims for ‘edgier and more experimental’ in new concept

The owner of 26 Thai, which now has nine locations around metro Atlanta, will open an Asian-themed tapas and cocktail bar in Midtown called Blackjack.

New chefs land at two hotel restaurants and more from Atlanta’s dining scene

Caribou coffee returns to Georgia, a James Beard Award-winning chef will bring his breakfast chain to town and wine bars got the spotlight this week.

UATL

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Kerry Washington, 2 Chainz bring Black star power to Atlanta Film Festival

A detailed guide for Black cinema fans to the 49th event kicking off this week

Morehouse alum Doug Jones’ debut novel merges Black queer identity and 1996 Olympics

An Atlanta-based real estate agent releases his debut novel on a Black queer love story ahead of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

How Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘dream’ inspired the Vatican through Pope Francis

The Vatican and the King family maintain a relationship covering more than 50 years.

Things to Do

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Could Georgia strike gold with film tourism?

Years after "The Vampire Diaries" ended, one Georgia town is still cashing in — now other cities want their shot at entertainment tourism fame.

Explore Atlanta’s natural wonders with these local trails

Whether you want an urban challenge or just a calm stroll around Atlanta, these nearby walking trails are the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.

Earth Day is more like Earth Month in ATL. Here are some ways to celebrate

In Atlanta, Earth Day is more like Earth Month, with events cropping up many April weekends.

Lifestyle

Credit: Fran Irwin

Azalea and camellia leaf gall is widespread this year

Walter Reeves gives advice on azalea and camellia leaf gall, and how to grow a new trunk for a crape myrtle tree.

Big plans for 4/20? Here’s what you should know before celebrating

Learn how cannabis fits into modern wellness, the differences between CBD, THC, and delta-8 and what the latest research says ahead of your 4/20 celebrations.

The dirty truth about your sheets

Experts reveal how unwashed sheets could be triggering breakouts, allergies and more — plus tips for better bedding hygiene.

Entertainment

Credit: Rodney Ho

Cadillac Jack, longtime Atlanta country radio host, has died

William "Cadillac Jack" Choate, a long-time country radio deejay in Atlanta, died at age 51 of a heart attack April 17, 2025.

Slater Nalley is sole Atlantan in ‘American Idol’ top 14

"American Idol" cut its top 20 to 14 on Sunday, April 21, 2025. Slater Nalley, a Lovett School senior, got through, but Baylee Littrell of Alpharetta didn't make it.

Will Darius J be the second Georgia resident to win ‘The Voice’?

Atlanta singer Darius J is hoping to be the second Georgian to take home “The Voice” crown on NBC.

Travel

Entrance to national parks is free Saturday, including Georgia sites

April 20 kicks off National Park Week and is one of six days each year with no entry fee

Southern Living’s best city of 2025 is just one state away

Why Chicago should be your springtime escape from Atlanta

Chicago is just a short flight from Atlanta, offering world-class museums, skyline views and vibrant nightlife. Here's how to make the most of a spring weekend in the city.

Wellness

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Explore Atlanta’s natural wonders with these local trails

Whether you want an urban challenge or just a calm stroll around Atlanta, these nearby walking trails are the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.

Pope Francis battled chronic lung disease. Here’s what we know about it

From bronchitis to double pneumonia, Pope Francis faced many complications from his chronic lung disease.

Georgia ranks among worst states for senior health, wealth and well-being

A new report ranks Georgia near the bottom for older workers, citing high age discrimination, low income and decline in new business growth.

Special Features

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Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

PHOTOS: Braves wins series opener with Cardinals

Braves open three-game series with St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park, winning, 7-6.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

PHOTOS: Braves sweep Twins

The Atlanta Braves took care of the Minnesota Twins Sunday, 6-2, to complete their first three-game sweep of the season.

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Photos: 2025 Easter Sunrise Service at Stone Mountain

Thousands attend Easter sunrise service on top of Stone Mountain on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Photos from Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.